Plaintiff was traveling on a one-way street in Richmond at 2:00 am. Defendant turned onto that one-way street, driving the wrong way, causing a head-on collision.
Plaintiff, a 60-year-old male was driven to the hospital by his wife, where he was seen for pain in his 
head, neck, back and knee. Defendant was charged with DUI. He entered a guilty plea.
Plaintiff was treated for the knee injury for several months, as well as other orthopedic injuries. His injuries deteriorated rather than improving, and eventually resulted in his need to use a cane. Two years after the accident knee surgery was necessary.
Several days after the accident, plaintiff reported headaches, and for memory and confusion challenges. Concussion was diagnosed and he was sent to a neurologist for treatment. In addition to the injuries reported, he other issues developed: major depression and anxiety. The latter two issues intensified other deficits he was experiencing. Plaintiff was also treated by a pain management specialist for headaches and neck pain.
The case went to mediation. Defendant did not argue with liability or treatment received during the three months immediately after the accident. Further, defendant rigorously held that plaintiff’s knee injury was a preexisting condition due to a degenerative disease. He also disputed the plaintiff’s brain injury and the need for treatment by a pain management specialist.
At the time when the case went to mediation, actual medical expenses had reached nearly $74,000. Plaintiff also claimed an additional $480,000 in lifetime medical costs due to injuries sustained.
Defendant focused the case on the Traumatic Brain Injury and continued to dispute liability for pain management and other treatment related to his injuries.
The case ultimately resulted in a mediation settlement for the plaintiff of $625,000.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash due to the irresponsible and illegal actions of another driver, you may be entitled to a financial settlement or award. DUI is a serious crime that often causes life-changing injuries. The trusted and experienced attorneys of Altizer Law, P.C., are here to help you understand your rights and, if you wish, to represent you or your loved one.
